Bostitch Air Compressors – Comparison and Guide

What makes the Bostitch brand so great? Besides the recognizable colors, the company can also boast that they have a great assortment of tools to use with their air compressors. Very few companies have such a proven track record when it comes to compatibility with not only their own tools, but other brands. If you’re on the fence about purchasing a Bostitch, here is a good list of their best air compressors that prove why the company is a big deal.

1. BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT 3-Tool and Compressor Combo Kit

High priced and considered one of the better models on the list, the BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT comes with a lot of things out of the box. Buyers can decide on a several versions including the compressor by itself, or 1, 2 and even 3 tool combos with the compressor. It is a 6 gallon 150 Psi pancake model, so isn’t lacking in any power. The motor was built to last for years so won’t end up giving you any trouble in the long run. With models of this calibre, that won’t be a problem anyway. The strength of this unit has to do with the tools that come bundled, if you decide to go for the bundle. All of the tools are worth a look, even if you have them already in a different brand. Some of them may even surprise you with their performance tweaks which are made to work better on this compressor.

The 18 GA Brad nailer efficiently handles 18GA brad nails for all of your high performance applications. If you’re sitting on a couple of projects that could use a boost, don’t let the fact that this is a bundled tool fool you about its capabilities. The 16GA straight finish nailer is just as powerful, and handles all brands of nails perfectly. And lastly, the 3/8 crown stapler packs more power than normal sized tools of its size. This is one of the optimized tools in the set that doesn’t get enough coverage. Standard with all models is the ¼ inch x 15 foot air hose. It also comes with fittings, so everything stays in place when you need it the most. As the first model on the list, the BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT offers a variety of options for Bostitch lovers. Make sure to pick your favorite combo, and you’ll be ready to go right out of the box.

Second on the list is the low cost U/BTFP02012, which doesn’t come with tools but does come with a fantastic set of options. It uses the same 6 gallon tank with 150 max PSI. There is a lot of power in this little unit and it really isn’t that much different from the first. The pump is oil free, so is made to handle all types of tasks without failing on you. That means years can pass without worrying about the maintenance of the unit. Where it shines the most is with the 78.5 dBA noise level, one of the lowest on the list. Trying to find a quiet air compressor is hard, especially if you want power. This model makes it more of a reality and without the sacrifices of power or stability.

No matter what brand of tools you attach to the unit, it will instantly maximize their performance. The unit is made to be universal when it comes to doling out its power, which is why the high flow regulator keeps things humming along at a nice pace. And if you have a large work environment, take solace in knowing that it is only 29 pounds to carry the entire unit. Combine that with how narrow the tank is and you have one of the better performing models on the list. It can be carried inside and outside of the home with no problems while also providing professional grade strength to any application. This model is a rare treat for anyone that needs a small compressor that can do a lot of work. Take a second and third look at this model, because it is one of the better ones on the list.

The BOSTITCH CAP1512-OF is a low priced option that is a bit different than the others on the list. It’s smaller, and because of that sports a 1.2 gallon tank that may or may not be what many are looking for. This shouldn’t be considered as a main air compressor unit, but rather as a backup or emergency unit. For that purpose it is fantastic, with the oil free pump able to handle 150 PSI from multiple tools. This would be a good unit to keep around when your main one is recharging. It’s also handy for doing touch up work with projects that are nearing completion. The motor is strong at 2.0 HP, and only uses 12 amps for starting up. That alone makes it an incredibly cheap alternative for a portable air compressor.

If you’re in a home that has less than idea circuit protectors, then this little unit will do the job nicely without shutting down your entire house. Weight stands at only 23.5 pounds and the unit has a comfortable handle. With the roll cage design, all of the important parts of the compressor as protected from harm. Buyers will be able to use this in high stress environments with other heavy duty compressors if needed. And up to this point, the unit has the easiest to use control panel of all the other models currently listed. About the only way to really understand how good this compressor works is to use it in person. Everyone should have a backup/emergency model to turn to when needed, and this is one of the best available by Bostitch. When you need an air compressor that won’t let you down, the BOSTITCH CAP1512-OF is the best choice.

4. BOSTITCH Factory-Reconditioned U/BTFP02011 6-Gallon Pancake

Low priced and full of features, this 6 gallon pancake compressor is a good choice if you need something reliable. It’s very quiet when in operation, with only 80 dBA to worry about. It can be used indoors without disturbing the next room over in a house. That type of performance makes doing house work less of a chore. With up to 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI, there will no doubt me enough power to handle complex and short range tasks. Feel free to attach your best tools to this compressor and watch it go full throttle. Users that are looking to do heavy housework will find this unit the best option, with a maintenance free pump that won’t give out when things get tough. All of the run of the mill features of a Bostitch are here, so don’t think that because it is low priced you are missing out on important parts.

Like many in their current line, this is an oil free model that works with superior internals. The included warranty will expire long before the machine breaks down, as it is built with only the best materials. Weight is about midrange, coming in at about 33 pounds. That’s still light, so the unit is very much portable. It isn’t the lightest on the list but is also not the heaviest. The carrying handle is not the most comfortable, and can be a bit of a pain for anyone carrying it long distances. Consider that a small thing to complain about on a long list of pros. The Bostitch quality is definitely showcased here when it is in operation, giving you one of the best workhorses on the list. Valuable and low priced, this air compressor should not be passed up.

Second to last on the list is the BTFP02028, which is very different than the others on the list. It is not a pancake compressor and functions as more of a vertical rolling model. What makes this such a great alternative is that it is the most powerful on the list and maxes out at 150 PSI with its massive 26 gallon tank. This is a professional use model that can also be used at home, with its vertical tank allowing for some convenient storage and moving abilities. An incredible 4.1 SCFM is delivered at 90 PSI pump, leaving every other unit on the list in the dust when it comes to multitasking. This one is a beast inside and out which is why so many professionals have gravitated towards it. The motor is incredibly resilient even on a cold start, providing more than enough juice to get things started quickly and keep them performing at high levels.

Of course the weight is a killer at 104 pounds so the company made it a little bit easier to handle with a welded pull handle. Combine that with the 10 inch wheels and the unit moves like butter. Some of the built in features of the air compressor are a ball valve drain in an easy to access area with quick drainage. With the upright stance of the tank, draining is quicker than normal. It is an unintended pro of the unit, so keep that in mind when you are purchasing an air compressor that saves time. One of the things that threw off some people about the unit is the 1.8 HP for the entire package, which makes it seem a bit underpowered. That’s simply not true, since it is the most powerful unit on the list. By keeping it at 1.8 HP, it can be used on heavy projects as well as in house projects without destroying your house circuitry. High priced and well worth it, this is without a doubt the best choice on the list for all types of jobs.

Last on the list is the Bostitch BTFP02006, an oldie but goodie when it comes to air compressors that can handle mid-high end tasks. The 6 gallon tank is handled with a max 150 PSI, putting it with the rest of the elite company on the list. There is 3.8 SCFM delivered at 90 PSI pump, so just like the last model, it is a powerhouse that is used to multitasking. Don’t let the 64 pounds scare you, as the reinforced tank comes with big wheels and a handle that makes it easy to pull anywhere it’s needed. Rather than sit vertical like the last unit, the Bostitch BTFP02006 is the horizontal version. With its durable lube pump buyers can get years of use out of the unit without worrying about costly maintenance. Surprisingly, the dBA is only rated at 82, so it sneaks in as being one of the quietest on the list when it comes to noise level.

Quick recovery is a feature that people love about this compressor, leaving you more time to work rather than waiting. With the right setup the unit can be made to maximize efforts in bolting, HVLP painting, framing/roofing, finish nailing, inflation, surface prep and more. Because of the multi-tool use features it’s also a great addition to any small shop or carpenters crew that needs a reliable air compressor. If there was one small con it would be that it is almost the same size as the previous model listed but is only 6 gallons. Because of how great the horizontal design is, it would have been nice if they made at least a 15 gallon version of this model for use. But even with that small con aside, this is one of the best options you could hope for when you need to spend money on an air compressor. Even with its high price, the Bostitch BTFP02006 is a fantastic purchase for any level of user.

Summary

Getting that perfect compressor isn’t hard when you go with a quality brand like Bostitch. They have been around for years and are very much the equal of Porter-Cable. Genuine enthusiasts have sworn by the Bostitch brand and continue to use it heavily, whether in the home or in professional use. To get the most out of your air compressor, make sure to give one of the best name brands in the world a chance.

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